Is there any benefit to taking a fish oil supplement if you have diabetes? It’s worth asking your doctor about, says the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, and has been linked to decreased risk of heart disease and strokes. Studies of omega-3 fatty acids began when researchers found cultures, such as the Eskimos, who live on an enormous amount of fat from fish, seals and whales, and rarely suffer heart attacks. Fish oil has also shown promise as an anti-inflammatory treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain and lupus. It also might have positive effects on various psychiatric disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder.

Since North American diets don’t provide the high levels of omega-3 necessary to be beneficial, supplements are sold in the vitamin sections of supermarkets.

For people with diabetes, omega-3 supplements may lower fatty particles in blood known as triglycerides. High triglyceride levels are one of the reasons people with diabetes have an increased risk for heart disease. Two to five teaspoons of fish oil daily were shown to reduce triglyceride levels by an average of 30%-50%, according to the ADA.

Unfortunately, fish oil also slightly raised the levels of LDL cholesterol, another fatty particle that is connected to heart disease. Also, blood sugar levels showed a slight increase by the daily use of fish oil.

If you are interested in investigating possible benefits of fish oil to your diet, ask your doctor about your triglyceride and LDL levels. As an initial step, you might consider replacing some red meat in your diet with fish several times a week.